An Interpretation Of Ecological Thoughts In Steinbeck's Works

John Steinbeck(1902-1968)was one of the most famous American writers in the 20 th century and occupied an important and unique position in American literary circle.Steinbeck's works were rich in subject matter,broad in theme,and had a certain breadth.His ecological thoughts gave his works unlimited artistic tension.This thesis selected Steinbeck's two novellas The Pearl and Of Mice and Men as research case.It analyzed these two novels from three aspects: natural ecology,social ecology and spiritual ecology.It expounded human's dependence on nature and the disadvantages of anthropocentrism,advocating that humans and nature should live in harmony.At the same time,natural ecology is closely related to social ecology.The improvement of social ecology is conducive to the development of natural ecology.Therefore,individuals should maintain a harmonious relationship with society.In addition,this thesis also analyzes the interdependence between individuals and human cognition.The two novellas not only expressed Steinbeck's criticism and rejection of modern civilization in capitalist society,but also expressed his pursuit of harmonious life.Steinbeck concerned about the ecological environment,human destiny and the relationship between man and nature.Many of his works expressed his ecological thoughts.At present,starting from his ecological thoughts,most domestic researches have only involved one work,but not many works of his.Therefore,this thesis took the two novellas The Pearl and Of Mice and Men as cases to analyze Steinbeck's ecological thoughts,hoping that this thesis would be helpful to research on Steinbeck's.Moreover,in an increasingly serious global ecological crisis,it is of great practical significance to examine his works from the perspective of ecological view and advocate the construction of ecological civilization.